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Nov. 18, 1947. scHu1 MAN V 22,935

CATAMENIAL BANDAGE MAKING MACHINE I Originl Filed Feb. 18, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet l I INVENTOR. I Lou/5 Saba/mar).

ATTORNEY.

Nov. 18, 1947. L cHuLm Re. 22,935

CATAMEN IAL BANDAGE MAKING MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 18; 1939 6 Shets-Sheet 2 j I INVENTOR.

. joy/.5 Schu/man.

Nov. 18, 1947. 1 SCHULMAN Re. 22,935

CATAMENIAL BANDAGE MAKING MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 18, 1939 6 sheets sheet 5 1 'INVENTOR.

[00/5 5c/7u/ma/7.

Nov. 18, 1947.

L. SCHULMAN GATAMENIAL BANDAGE MAKING MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 18, 1939 e Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. [owls c/?u/man.

Nov, 18 1947.

L. SCHULMAN GATAMENIAL BANDAGE MAKING MACHINE 6 SheetsfSheet 5 D C nu l Hunk-F W I YH V l l l h l l l l k l wl Ii Original Filed Feb. 18. 1959 INVENTOR. [ou/s Saba/07cm.

BY M W 7 AT ,RNEY.

L. SCHULMAN CATAMENIAL BANDAGE MAKING MACHINE Nov. 18, 1947.

6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Origina; Filed Feb. 18, 1939 INVENTOR. lows 5c/2q/man.

Reiss'ued Nov. 18, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CATAMENIAL BANDAGE MAKING -MACHIN E York, N. Y.

Original No. 2,352,228, dated June 27, 1944, Serial No. 257,117, February 18, 1939.

Application for reissue June 21, 1945, Serial No. 600,687

Claims. 1

This invention relates generally to improvements in bandages and their uspension means, particularly catamenial bandages; and more specifically to the making, folding and packaging of catamenial bandages. Reference is hereby made to my copending applications Serial Numbers 541,818 and 541,819, which are divisional applications hereof.

In a catamenial bandage or the so-called sanitary napkin, the thickness is not uniform throughout its length. This non-uniformity in thickness is due to the practical requirement of having the substantiall thick absorbent portion of the bandage at its intermediate area, and the thin tabs at its ends for suspension thereof and for the comfort of the wearer.

This non-uniformity in the thickness of a catamenial bandage presents a problem which must be considered in the production, folding and packing thereof, particularly, when it is desired to provide a catamenial package in compact form, enabling, for instance, a woman to conveniently carry the same in her handbag or to permit the same to be dispensed from a vending machine. In the production, folding and packaging of a catamenial bandage according to this invention, this problem is taken into consideration.

It is an object to present a package containing a catamenial bandage in compact form, by accordion-pleating or folding the bandage and compressing the same into a small individual package; thus enabling the package to be conveniently carried in a womans handbag, or to be dispensed from a vending machine.

Further objects of the present invention reside in the provision of means for making catamenial bandages and also in the means for folding and compressing the same into small individual package.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved and novel combined bandage and suspension means or support therefor, which is practical, efficient, economical and easily adjustable upon the wearer.

In addition to affording positive securing with 2 which will prevent the supported ends of the bandage from gathering or puckering, and thus allowing the said ends to lie fiat against the body of the wearer.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a catamenial device which will allow or proper adjustment upon the wearer, and which will .avoid the use of common or conventional fasteners and supporters.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a catamenial bandage which will remain flat against the body or garment of the user, and not mar the graceful lines of dresses, particularly tight-fitting ones, or destroy the effect of delicate sheer fabrics.

Still another object of the present invention is 'to provide a fiat-lying catamenial bandage, which will not cause any discomfort to the wearer.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention comprises certain details of construction and arrangement of'p'art's as will be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification and in which:

Fig, l is a front view of a sanitary belt and napkin or catamenial bandage embodying the invention, and shown as applied to a body;

Fig. 2 is a side view of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a belt and napkin 'or' bandage according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken through line 44 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a package containing the catamenial bandage folded into accordion pleats;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the package illustrated in Fig. 5;

Fig. '7 is a sectional view through a napkin or bandage showing one typical way of folding the same;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view (partly broken away) of the napkin shown in Fig. 7 in flattened condition;

Figs. 8a and 8b are views of a portion of a catamenial bandage (adjacent the buttonholes) made in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 9 illustrates a plan view of the material feeding devices;

Fig. 10 illustrates a plan view of the conveyer system and the various mechanisms employed in the production of the sanitary napkin;

Fig. 1.1 is a plan view showing a construction of the conveyor system leading up to the final compression and wrapping of the sanitary napkin; and

Fig, 12 is a side view (partly in section) of Fig. 11.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1-4 which show one example by which the invention may be realized, the numeral l indicates generally a catamenial bandage conventionally known as a sanitary napkin which may comprise a gauze shell II and a filler l2 of absorbent material which may be of the conventional type and which is located in the center portion of bandage or napkin I I), there being left the two free ends l3, l4. Shell H is formed by wrapping the gauze around the absorbent filler l2. The ends I3, 14 will, therefore, in this instance, consist of a plurality of layers of gauze. The filler I2 is held captive and prevented from shifting by the rows of stitches l5, [6. The free ends have folded-over portions l1, I8 which are secured to the body of the ends by means of lines of stitching I9, 20.

Each free end of the bandage [0 at its foldedover portion is provided with preferably two spaced-apart slots 2|, 22 through which an end of the belt 23 is laced. These slots 2 I, 22 are preferably reinforced by stitches 24 and may be made in a conventional manner as by a buttonhole machine. Belt 23 is laced through the napkin III to provide a loop 25 on one side thereof, the belt ending on the other side of the napkin in two free ends 26, 21, which, when the napkin is adjusted on the wearer, are tied together into a conventional knot or bow 28 (Figs. 1 and 2). By lacing the belt 23 through the buttonholes 2|, 22, the former will hold the ends of the napkin l0 fiat against the body B of the wearer as indicated at 29 in Fig. 1. Belt 23 preferably comprises an inexpensive narrow tape made of any suitable material, discardable with the napkin.

The belt may be made of elastic or inelastic material, Instead of the belt being looped at one end as at 25, it may be provided with two free ends (not shown), similar to the ends 26, 21, so that, the tapes may be tied ,on either side of the body to hold the bandage in suspension; or the belt may be provided with two looped portions or ends similar to 25, this being preferable particularly where elastictape is employed as the suspension means By the construction hereinabove described there is provided a catamenial bandagewhich will not pucker or gather at the ends nor bulge thereat, but will remain flat against the body of the wearer and which will not be made manifest through the clothing.-

Although the example heretofore described refers to the use of the invention as a catamenial bandage, it is understood, however, that the same is applicable where bandages are generally employed, particularly where it is desired that the fiat tube of the proper size.

4 In order to provide a very compact package the bandage may be transversely folded into accordion pleats or corrugatitons as clearly seen in Fig. 7. The accordion pleats are preferably produced under pressure thereby reducing the dimensions of the bandage.

The package P seen in Fig. 5 contains the bandage or napkin 50 and the suspension or supporting tape or belt 23, in compressed accordionpleated form. The bandage and support may be wrapped first in a covering 5| of tin foil over which is placed a label 52, the whole being then wrapped in a suitable, preferably transparent covering or wrapper 53, such as, Cellophane or other cellulose material. The tin foil wrapper 5| and the Cellophane cover 53 may be folded at the ends of the package as indicated at 54. In this embodiment in lieu of stitches I9, 20 there are provided the adhesive spots H! (see Fig. 811).

Fig. 8 shows a bandage 50 made in accordance with the invention, provided with the buttonholes 55 reinforced by the stitches 55. The bandage further has the gauze shell 51 and absorbent filler 58, which maybe conventional, the filler being held in place by the stitches 59. The stitches 59 may be provided at the ends of the filler 58 as seen in Fig. 7, or they may pass through the ends of the filler.

A machine or mechanism which may be employed to produce the aforesaid catamenial bandage or sanitary napkin, preparing the same in pleated and compressed form for the wrapping operation, and initially wrapping the same will now be described. I It will be evident that the following described machine may be employed to make and produce in compact form bandages, other than catamenial bandages.

Referring first generally to this machine, the absorbent material is contained on a spool of suitable diameter and is fed by a set of feed rolls operated intermittently through instrumentalities actuating a ratchet on said wheels. A predetermined portion of the absorbent material is fed to a knife properly spaced and the cut-off portion (12 of Figs. 3, 4 and 58 of Figs. 7, 8) is deposited on a transfer plate. This transfer plate makes a 180 movement and deposits the absorbent material in the center of the gauze.

The spool of gauze is located at right angles to the transfer plate so that the absorbent material is deposited on the gauze section proportionally to the length and width thereof.

The gauze having the section of absorbent ma terial located thereon is then drawn through a folder which folds the gauze longitudinally into a The folded gauze is now drawn up to a knife by means of gripper bandage be kept flat against the body to avoid discomfort and irritation.

A means of packaging the device is shown in Figs. 5-7. The package is preferably rectangular in shape, although it may be formed into any other shape. The package is made very compact by the means described later on so that it can be conveniently carried by the person or dispensed from a vending machine. For example, where the bandage is in the form of a catamenial bandage, both it and its supporting means may be arranged toprovide a package of a size approximately 2%" long by wide by high, although the bandage is of conventional size.

r predetermined spots.

jaws actuated by a segmental lever, which cuts the folded gauze to the proper length (indicated by the numeral 1 l in Figs. 3, 4 and 51 in Figs. 7, B). This cut length is deposited on a conveyer and is then brought to adhesive appliers which apply the adhesive (see I9 in Fig. Bet) on both ends of the cut gauze, simultaneously, by a system of segmental rolls which deposit the adhesive in These adhesive spots are in lieu of the stitching I9, 20. From there the conveyer carries the same (cut folded gauze) to a set of folders which fold over the ends (I1, IS in Fig. 4) of the cut-folded gauze approximately one inch from the ends and the same is then fed to a set of pressing rolls to adhesively secure the folded down ends. The conveyer then feeds the cut gauze to a set of sewing machines which sew transverse rows of stitches (l5, I6, in Figs. 3, 4,

and 59 of Fi s. 7, 8) at each end of the absorbent material thereby preventing the absorbent material from shifting and securing the same in position within the folded gauze. The now formed bandage or napkin is brought by the conveyer to a set of perforating knives located on either end of said napkin and two or more buttonhole openings (2|, 22 or 55) are perforated at each end of the napkin; after which the conveyer brings the napkin under a system of feed rolls which deposits a predetermined length of tape thereon, the latter being used as a means for securing the napkin to the body of the user. This tape 23 is fed from a spool by means of intermittent feed rolls which determine the proper length of tape desired and this length of tape is cut off. The conveyer then carries the napkin and the tape to a folder which folds the napkin transversely into three parts with the tape enclosed. The conveyer then carries the thus folded napkin with the enclosed tape to a lifting fork which deposits the napkin between a set of corrugated rolls. The corrugated rolls transversely corrugate, pleat, or crease the napkin and enclosed tape and the same is deposited on an inclined lifting platform which is a part of the mold wherein the napkin is first compressed. This platform is hinged at its lower end and when the napkin is deposited thereon by suit able means, this platform swings into a predetermined position between the side walls of the mold and the latter becomes a rectangular box. A plunger or ram descends within this box, initially compresses the folded and pleated napkin therein and presses it into a compartment or pocket of a dial plate located directly beneath the mold.

The dial plate then makes intermittent onesixth turns, and brings the pocket or compartment containing the partially compressed napkin under plungers or rams for varying stages of compression. The reason for producing complete compression by stages is to gradually relieve the napkin of the confined air therein, and to thereby more compactly compress the napkin.

The compression reduces the napkin to a smaller size than what is required, thus allowing for the expansion of the napkin which takes place upon release of the pressure produced by the plungers. Then the compressed pleated napkin with the suspension tape enclosed therein is brought under another plunger or ram which deposits the napkin on a transfer member below the dial plate. This transfer member is stationary. A ram or plunger operated by suitable means ejects it into a star wheel which is a part of the wrapping mechanism and is initially paper or foil wrapped. From this point on the compressed, pleated and paper-enfolded napkin may be further wrapped in an conventional manner.

Referring now to the drawings for a more detailed description, Fig. 9 shows a plan view of the material feeding devices for the sanitary napkin or catamenial bandage. The numeral I indicates a platform upon which is mounted a reel frame IOI carrying a mandrel I02. Mounted on mandrel I02 is a spool I03 carrying a roll of absorbent material I04. Mounted on frame work I06 by suitable brackets are the feed rolls I which are operated by a cam or eccentric I01 which in turn operates bar I08 actuating ratchet I09. Knife arm H0 is supported by bracket I06 mounted on platform I00. This knife severs the absorbent material after the proper amount has been fed, and is actuated by a pair of bevel segments III supported by bracket II2 mounted on platform I00. Crankplate II3 operates connecting rod II4 which in turn operates segments II I. Transfer plate II5 receives the cut absorbent material and by means of crankplate or cam IIG operating connecting rod H1 and segments I.I8, makes a turn and transfers the absorbent material on the gauze in the proper location for subsequent operations. This transfer member is supported on bracket H9 and is mounted on platform I00. I20 is a power shaft and |.2'I is a pair of sprockets actuating chain I22 and supplying means to operate the aforementioned mechanism.

I23 is a reel upporting a mandrel I24 and holds a spool I25 containing a roll of gauze I26 and mounted on platform I00. I21 indicates a folder in a fixed position; and by the simple act of drawing the gauze through the folder, the folder will cause a three-layer fold in the gauze. The folder I21 is mounted on platform I00.

As seen in Fig. 10,, knife I29, mounted on bracket I23 severs the folded gauze to provide a napkin in desired length. Bracket I28 is mounted on platform I00.

A gripping member I30 is carried on sliding bracket I 3| which slides on guide rods I32, the same being held by bracket I33 mounted on platform I00. The functioning of gripping member I30 is accomplished through the action of the arm I34 operated by crank I35 in the fol-- lowing manner. The arm I34 through rotation of the crank I35; the jaws of gripping member I30 being held open by suitable means throughout the forward movement of arm I34. As the gripping member I30 passes underneath the upper knife I20, its jaws close on the folded gauze I26 housing the absorbent material I04 enclosed therein.

On the return movement of the arm I34 the entire length of the napkin is drawn out, the gripper jaws of member I30 are opened, the end of the napkin is cut oil by knife I29 and the napkin deposited on conveyer I35. An adhesive device I40 is arranged so as to be located at each end of the napkin. The rotary appliers I40 print the proper amount of adhesive ('I9' Fig. So) on each end of the napkin and then return to their place of rest thereby releasing the napkin to be carried by the conveyer I36 for the next operation. Two rotary compression members I4I are hinged at their lower ends, and their func tion is to fold and press down the two ends of the napkin to make the adhesive stick. Two conventional sewing machines I42 are operated by shaft I20 through sprockets and. chains I 43. The napkin is brought by conveyer I36 to these machines which provide the :stitches I5, I6 (Figs. 3, 4), 59 (Figs. '7, 8) confining the absorbent material in the gauze therebetween these stitches preventing shifting of the absorbent material during subsequent manipulations and also while the napkin is being worn.

Two perforating members I44, are provided which cut buttonholes or slits 55 (Fig. 8) through the adhesive cemented parts 19 of the napkin as it is presented to these members I44, thus providing openings through which the tape 25 can be passed. This mechanism is operated by chain and sprockets I45 from the main shaft I3 3, all of which are mounted on platform I00.

A feeder I46 feeds a predetermined length of tape through the feed rolls I41 operated intermittently, and the said length of tape is then cut off by a knife (not shown). Feeder I46 is mounted on platform I00 and is operated through chain and sprockets. I48 and power shaft I39.

reciprocates Tape I49 is taken from spool I50 which is placed on mandrel I supported on reel I52 and mount ed on platform I05.

As seen in Figs. 11 and 12, conveyer I36 carries the napkin to folder I52 (Fig. 11), which folds the napkin in three parts transversely and encloses the tape therein. Folder I52 is operated through chain and sprockets (not shown) and is driven by power shaft I39 and mounted on platform I00. Conveyer I36 carries the folded napkin with the tape enclosed therein to a forked lifting platform I53, the function of which is to lift the folded napkin from the conveyer I36 and brin the front end of the napkin to a position between a pair of pleating, indenting or creasing rolls I54, the latter rotating at a fairly rapid rate of speed, corrugating and then ejecting the napkin upon inclined plate I55 which is movable between side walls I56 of mold I56a. Plate I55 is hinged at the bottom of the mold l56a'and together with side walls I56 form part of the mold wherein the napkin is compressed. After the deposit of the pleated napkin upon inclined plate I55, the latter is caused to swing to a closed position by action of cam andlever I51, I58 and converts mold I56a into a closed rectangular box. The ram I59 (shown in Fig. 12) descends within the mold box I56a and initially compresses the napkin,

The compression ram I59 is actuated by segment I60 and powered by a, device I6I comprising levers, connecting links, and eccentric, the device being driven by chain and sprockets NH and power shaft I49. Th result of the action of compression ram I59 on the corrugated napkin is to initially compress the same in box I561; and within a pocket I62a of the dial plate I62 as the said pocket I62a comes adjacent box or mold I56a. The dial plate has six pockets I62a which successively receive napkins from mold or box I56a and acts as a carrier for the napkins in their step by step stages or operations of compression. Dial plate IE2 is actuated intermittently by the Geneva movement I63 driven by sprocket and chain I64 and power shaft I 39.

The, dial plate I62 rotating in clockwise direction brings each napkin being compressed respectively under the rams I80 of the duplex press I65 which progressively compress the napkin, ultimately into a compact body or mass, and making the same ready for ejection by the mechanism I 66 which is the fourth and last stage in the compression system. The mechanism I56 comprises the ejecting ram operated by lever I61 pivoted on a ram I80 of duplex press I65 and actuated by the same. The duplex press I85 is driven by chain and sprockets I 68 and powered by shaft I49. The completely compressed napkin in compact form is ejected into a receptacle located underneath'the fourth pocket indicated by the numeral I8I of the dial plate I62 and is then further ejected into a star wheel I1I of the wrapping machine as shown in Fig. 12, all of the foregoin being mounted on platform I00.

Fig. 12 is a side view of Fig. 11 showing details not seen on Fig. 11. I69 is the lever actuating the ram I which ejects the compressed napkin into one of the pockets of the star wheel I1I. I12 is a roll of wrapping material held in a bracket I13 and supported by stand I14 mounted on platform I 00. I15 is a system of feed rolls held by bracket I 16, I11 is an adhesive box which gums the end of the wrapping material. From this point on the wrapped bandage with its suspension means enclosed therein, may be further packaged as desired and in any suitable manner.

It can be readily understood that the invention is applicable to bandages in general and to various other forms of eatamenial bandages.

Since the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, it is. therefore, desired that the present embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive;

reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patage upon itself, means for pressing down said folded ends with the adhesive therebetween to form reinforced ends, means for perforating said bandage through said reinforced ends, means for depositing a predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding end portions of said bandage transversely over its intermediate portion and said tape.

2. In a catamenial bandage making machine wherein absorbent material is fed, cut and deposited on gauze material and the gauze material folded over the cut absorbent material, the combination of means for gripping the folded gauze, means for moving the gripping means to draw the folded gauze a predetermined distance for a cutting operation, means for cutting a prededetermined length of said folded gauze for producing a catamenial bandage, means for folding over the ends of said bandage upon itself, means for securing said ends in said folded over position to form reinforced ends for said bandage, means for perforating said bandage through said reinforced ends, means for depositing a predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding end portions of said bandage transversely over its intermediate portion and said tape.

3. In a catamenial bandage making machine wherein absorbent material is fed, cut and deposited on gauze material and the gauze material folded over the cut absorbent material the combination of means for cutting a predetermined length of said folded gauze for producing a catamenial bandage, means for folding over the ends of said bandage upon itself, means for securing said ends in said folded over position to form reinforced ends for said bandage, means for perforating said bandage through said reinforced ends, means for feeding tape, means for cutting a predetermined length of said tape, means for depositing said predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding end portions of said bandage transversel over its intermediate portion and said tape.

4. In a catamenial bandage making machine wherein absorbent material is fed, cut and deposited on gauze material and the gauze material folded over the cut absorbent material, the combination of means for cutting a predetermined length of said folded gauze for producing a catamenial bandage, means for producing reinforced ends on said bandage, means for perforating said bandage through said reinforced ends, means for feeding tape, means for cutting a predetermined length of said tape, means for depositing said predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding end portions of said bandage transversely over its intermediate portion and said tape.

5. In a catamenial bandage making machine wherein absorbent material is fed, cut and deposited on gauze material and the gauze material folded over the cut absorbent material, the combination of means for cutting a predetermined length of said folded gauze for producing a catamenial bandage, means for feeding tape, means for cutting a predetermined length of said tape, means for depositing said predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding end portions of said bandage transversely over its intermediate portion and said tape.

6. In a catamenial bandage making machine wherein absorbent material is fed, cut and deposited on gauze material and the gauze material folded over the cut absorbent material, the combination of means for cutting a, predetermined length of said folded gauze for producing a catamenial bandage, means for producing reinforced ends on said bandage, means for feeding tape, means for cutting a predetermined length of said tape, means for depositing said predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding end portions of said bandage transversely over its intermediate portion and said tape.

7. In a catamenial bandage making machine wherein absorbent material is fed, cut and deposited on gauze material and the gauze material folded over the cut absorbent material, the combination of means for gripping the folded gauze, means for moving said gripping means to draw the folded gauze a predetermined distance for a cutting operation, means for cutting a predetermined length of said folded gauze for producing a catamenial bandage, means for feedin tape, means for cutting a predetermined length of said tape, means for depositing said predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding end portions of said bandage transversely over its intermediate portion and said tape.

8. A bandage making machine comprising means for feeding absorbent material, means for feeding gauze or the like, means for depositing said material on said gauze and including a transfer member, means for folding said gauze longitudinally over said material into a substantially flat tube for forming a bandage, means for depositing a predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding said bandage over said tape.

9. A bandage-making machine comprising means for feeding absorbent material, means for feeding gauze or the like, means for depositing said material on said gauze, means for folding said gauze longitudinally over said material into a substantially flat tube for forming a bandage, means for depositing a predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding said bandage over said tape.

10. A bandage-making machine comprising means for feeding absorbent material, means for feeding gauze or the like, means for depositing said material on said gauze, means for folding said gauze longitudinally over said material into a substantially flat tube for forming a bandage, means for securing the folds of said gauze adjacent the ends of said material to prevent endwise shifting of said material, means fOr depositing a predetermined length of tape upon said bandage, and means for folding said bandage over said tape.

STELLA \SCHULMAN. Administratria: of the Estate of Louis Schulman,

Deceased.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,022,894 Sprague Apr. 9, 1912 1,048,779 Woodhead Dec. 31, 1912 1,794,353 Bauer Mar. 3, 1931 1,825,492 Wandel Sept. 29, 1931 1,845,436 ONeill Feb. 16, 1932 1,957,651 Joa May 8, 1934 1,973,737 Williams Sept, 18, 1934 2,039,425 Jurgensen -1 May 5, 1936 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 488,469 Germany Dec. 28, 1929 

